A/C - What year did it get decent?
 

It looks like business may be decent this year, and I need to start my budget planning for the next 911.

My 82SC (yeah, the 101 projects car) had enemic A/C. When I lived in San Diego, it diidn't matter. I live in Houston and so A/C is essential. It get's stupid hot here and I want to be able to use the 911 year round.

What years did the A/C become halfway decent?

I expect the budget will be in the $25K region, so it won't be too new. Definitely a coupe.

For $25k you're approaching '95 993 territory. The car may have highish miles (over 80k) but it will have very good a/c.

Or, for that amount of money you could get a very well-sorted 964 - also with good a/c.

Finally, you could spring for a nice 3.2 ($20k-ish) and spend a few grand on upgrading the a/c system on the car and wind up with a classic that blows cold air.

I´ve an 87 model. The air conditioning works at approx 50% of the capability of modern systems.

I don't really have time for a project car at this point. My 914/6 and the 101 projects car were both projects...

Good info on the 993 and the 964.

The first 911 with good A/C was the 1989 Carrera 4, the very first 964 model.

The aftermarket AC in my 79 blows real COLD thanks to Craig Johnson, owner of C&B European in Katy, TX. New AC hoses and fittings made 5 minutes from his shop. While you wait, $100 each. Craig was a 12 years Porsche Master Technician. Service is second to none. 281.392.6565

the first decent A/C was on the 964. Not just decent , very good.

Seems they have regressed a bit then... The AC system in my Cayenne is just "ok" they use those new variable displacement compressors and it could bet better. Not sure when Porsche switched to using those. Guess the 964 is the sweet spot then.

Go with the 1986 Carrera...

on paper, its the best bang for the buck:

Bigger A/C vents
915 Transmission
Suspension parts compatibility with earlier years

All that might be needed is a Valve job and Barrier hoses for R134. Get some of the A/C upgrades from Rennaire and your good to go

I spent about $1200 to redo my '85 A/C.
I live in Atlanta and it stays very cold in the car as long as I'm moving.

Hey Tom, At $1200, what did you have done?

I did the work myself with the help of 2 other local Pelicans.
Installed:
RennAire Barrier Hose kit
RennAire Evaporator
RennAire Pro Cooler
New Expansion Valve
Griffiths Front Condenser

Flushed the rear condenser and Compressor, changed over to R134.
I get vent temps in the 30's & 40's in summer.

It's the best money I've spent on my 911.

The earlier systems can be upgraded. I've got a '75 coupe that had it's a/c system re-engineered by Scott's Independent in Anaheim when they used to specialize in a/c. It had it's rear condensor replaced by a 2-row model, a custom static condensor (no air flow required) under the car (with the front condensor, that makes a total of three), a rotary compressor and the engine fan pulley turned so that it spins faster, which draws more air across the rear condensor. I've used it in the summer on the way to Palm Springs and it works good. With a front oil cooler, I didn't see oil temps over 210.
It wasn't exactly cheap (~2 - 3K - I forget the exact amount), but it was worth it.

Dave

Dave

Well, that's a no-go in Houston... traffic NEVER moves in Houston.

6 lane parking lots.

Yep - traffic never moves in ATL during rush hour as well. If I had to use a sub '90's 911 as a daily commuter in a hot climate, I'd think twice!
But - as a week-end driver in hot weather, I have have no issues.

Then again, for THE quest of a cold '80s 911 in a hot climate, search mthomas58 - he helped me wrench with my upgrade.

Depends on the highway. US-290, oh yeah. I-10, not so much.

Like blowing warm air over an ice cube! I got all excited when I got my 85 911 A/C to work. But thats all it really does...work. Two tiny vents in the front with a little air (cold) blowing out. Really, just cracks me up. Glad I live in San Diego! Nick

Maybe this is a dumb question... What's different between the 964/993 AC design compared to earlier cars? Can earlier cars be upgraded with 964/993 components to give us the benefits of modern AC?

James,

Find the nice Grand Prix White 3.2 Carrera you want and have someone local ‘do’ the A/C right to the best standards.
The A/C isn’t any mystery.
More and larger condensers.
Larger evaporator and improved fan.
You might consider a 2nd evaporator on the rear floor.
The return coolant heat exchanger to add efficiency.
I have always considered a thin alumized styro sheet inside the roof, block the exhaust vent and two A/C ducts up the rear quarters to vent cool-ish air down through the headliner.


The car will need a few things like a better fan on the oil cooler, engine fan at 1.82:1 or more, better air sealing between trunk and cockpit, some insulation under the upholstery, etc.
Re-plumbing the heat-defrost-A/C vents will help.
Make sure the heaters don’t leak ANY air to the cockpit.
Ducting the heater waste air down and rearward will help keep the rear seat area cooler.

When not driving, park underground. :cool:

I have always wanted to scheme up a 911 Carrera cruiser that would be cool comfortable between Tucson and San Diego at ambient 120°F and 90+ mph. :D

Best,
Grady

^ That post positively sparkles with innovation and good ideas for any aircooled 911 with AC.

One thing I always wondered is why the Xvalve has tarlike tape wrapped around it. What is it, what does it do, and if it's needed, where can I get it?